One word: Spoiler Sixshot! The only thing that happens in this issue is that Barricade is in the same group Elita-1 is forming, and now he knows more about the Vions. This issue is definitely action packed. I liked it quite a lot. Cover is quite misleading though as only Bumblebee is in the issue, and it's for 1 page only.
A fairly solid issue. The pace is definitely picking up a bit now, and we're getting some more action which is good. Plus you-know-who put in an appearance, so that's always a bonus. I'm really liking Anna Malkova's art. That scene between Prowl and Headlock had some of the most fluid and interesting character art this series has seen. I wish they'd up her to main artist, rather than having her just do the odd couple of pages here or there. I agree. I was all ready for Starscream's big debut, but alas it wasn't to be. I notice he's on the cover of next month's issue as well. Let's see how that goes.
I could be wrong, but isn't that a brand new Seeker? I always love it when a new Seeker pops up. I wonder if the writers plan to do anything with them, or if they're just a random generic. Knowing this fandom though, even if they are just a random generic, the fans will give them a name, profile and maybe even a running gag by the end of the month. In fact, shall we open the floor to name suggestions? I'll start us off. How about Vaportrail?
I'd go with Sweeptrail. Also worth mentioning that issue #10 is apparently delayed to the 7th August, according to comixology.
I think I got to the point where I automatically skip pages with bumblebore in them. Solid issue, but the action was... weak? It didn't feel very physical, an explosion or two but "beauty is never tarnished"
I liked the tone of this, especially the overtly pulp-ish/noir feel of some bits. An enjoyable issue. “There’s nothing up there that’d be feeding Energon to the rise. Is there?” Cough orbiting titans cough Edit: annoying we didn’t get to see the characters on the front (yes yes I know comics pull this kind of shit a lot). I want to see Sentinel. And for him to be a more fully rounded character than before. Is it too much to hope he might actually be a good guy? I guess so. Sigh.
On a separate note, I also read the first issue of Blade Runner 2019 today and I have to say it made me think. I didn’t know any of the characters in that, but by the end of issue 1 most of them- not even just the main one- had some pretty solid character foundations laid down. Stronger than some of the characters in this have nine issues in. He’s got some great world building stuff built in and the dialogue has got better but for my money he still needs to strengthen this side of things up considerably.
I thought it was pretty good. Definitely very action packed, nobody can have any complaints in that respect. My main questions are: Spoiler What are they plotting and what’s going to happen next!?! I also appreciate that we’ve gotten to the point with TF media where you can easily go an issue with no Optimus Prime appearance and not miss that at all.
Out of interest, did the Blade Runner issue use any established characters from the films (e.g. Decker) or was all original characters, because if it's the later, then they'll have more creative freedom, as oppose to a pre-existing character, where the writer will have to find line between something new and something familiar. Having said that, I'll agree characters like Ironhide and Brainstorm haven't connected with me yet, but I believe he'll address down the line. It seems that overtime, this writer is getting more comfortable with this series, and when the schedule changes to monthly in September, the extra time will benefit him and the artists.
On a slight tangent, what do we want to ask at the IDW SDCC panel tomorrow? I’m going to try to make it.
Only original characters, none from before yet. But to be honest for me the original characters in TF suffer in the same way as the established ones. One could also argue that established characters could be built on quicker. Either way, I just feel that it was a much more substantial read than TF in that respect. I don’t want to be too negative as I did enjoy the issue. I liked the action, I liked the intrigue building up.
Sounds like I should read Blade Runner at some point. I loved both films, so this sounds like a welcome addition. I don't think you were being negative, just providing some constructive feedback and your views on this series handling of character development. This issue did have a great action scene, and I wasn't expecting that, especially after last issue, which also had a great action scene.
“Why are we suddenly using names like Skytread and Refraktor in the comics again when it didn’t seem to be much of an issue before?”
Very good! Still kind of ridiculous that Cybertronian weapons don't really hurt Cybertronians - everyone survives getting blasted with barely a dent - but apart from that, a tense, fun issue. And Malkova is a real step up in terms of art. Really hope they keep it up.
This was a smoother read than most of the other issues thank goodness. Although...what’s up with the plot synopses/covers? Sometimes it feels like they aren’t accurate to what’s actually on the page. Anyway I’m actually interested to see how it all comes together with the Rise and Ascenticons. I don’t even have a solid theory right now, but that’s the most fascinating part of this new series. How and why are the Decepticons formed? What conflict is big enough that starts a planetary war? If you can, ask them something about the Transformers 84 comic.
Wake me when 84' is out. Love the Guido cover variant with Cyclonus, he's way too talented for IDW. Also, I'd absolutely adore watching that shitty edge-lord fembot try and fight Sixshot.